No More Waiting

I always make sure to hit up PJ's Bar-B-Q during its open seasonal months, but now the wait to enjoy it the whole year round is almost over. Construction is almost wrapped up in preparation for the new, improved and insulated PJ's Bar-B-QSA. We will soon be able to enjoy it all year. As you can see from my June post I've been waiting for this. For more details check out this article in The Troy Record.

Enjoying The Summer While it Lasts

Relax people, I left my gloves at home for this one. Bruce Springsteen has a song about what he looks forward to every time summer rolls around. While I’d never disagree with The Boss, I just want to mention that backyard grilling and BBQ come pretty close to the top of my list of things to look forward to once the winter snow finally melts. What can I say, some foods just work better when the sun is shining and the weather is warm.

BBQ Chicken

Summer is flying by too fast this year. I can’t believe it’s the end of July and I haven’t gone to one of my favorite seasonal restaurants – PJ’s BAR-B-Q. Between the music, the car nights and other events they hold, PJ’s has a unique atmosphere, one I sorely miss during the winter. Thankfully they’re taking some steps to keep it open year round.  

Before I knew it I was in Saratoga, sitting down at PJ’s getting my hands dirty with the North Carolina Style Pulled Pork and a hefty rack of ribs. And since I don't mind sharing, I tried some of their BBQ chicken (pictured). I strayed from my usual - rib sandwich on garlic buttered Texas Toast. PJ’s offers an open pit BBQ style, cooking everything over real charcoal.  No offense to fans of Hank’s propane style on “King of the Hill,” but charcoal is more flavorful. PJ’s was awarded the best ribs in Albany for good reason and it’s one of my favorite restaurants around.

Good News for BBQ Fans

Winter has never been my favorite time of year. What can I say - I don’t look forward to throwing my back out shoveling or slipping on the ice and falling on my face. But, it isn’t just the weather that gets to me, it’s also the disappearance of seasonal restaurants. One of my favorite BBQ places, PJ's Bar-B-Q, shutters their doors every time Old Man Winter comes around so I usually count down the days until the Saratoga Springs restaurant reopens but I’m happy to say that’s about to change.

Some say it’s smart business sense but I prefer to think that my prayers were finally answered. It won’t be long now until we can finally enjoy PJ’s Bar-B-Q the whole year round. Construction will begin in October to make PJ’s restaurant more suitable for year-round dining. The restaurant will reopen in 2012 as Bar-B-QSA Restaurant complete with a new slogan “A taste tour of the American barbecue” and an expanded menu featuring Texas-style brisket and North Carolina-style pulled pork in addition to the Kansas City and Memphis-style products they serve now.

Oh and don’t worry, PJ’s will keep the picnic tables and traditions you’re used to such as bike nights and classic car nights during the summer.